Korean Business Drinking Culture: A Guide for Expats

In Korea, drinking is a big part of business culture. These social gatherings, called 회식 (hoesik), are an extension of the office. They help build trust and break down formalities. As an expat, it's important to understand these traditions. This guide will help you navigate the drinking culture in Korean business. Whether you're meeting with colleagues or clients.

One of the first things you’ll notice is how people pour and receive drinks. In Korea, it’s considered rude to pour your own drink. You pour for others and let them pour for you. This is a sign of respect and shows that you’re part of the group.

When you’re pouring a drink, use both hands to hold the bottle. This shows respect. When someone pours a drink for you, hold your glass with both hands. I recently learned that traditional-minded people expect you to pour primarily with your right hand. I’m left-handed and I have been doing it wrong for a long time.

Hierarchy is a key part of Korean culture, and this extends to drinking. How you act around senior colleagues matters. Here’s what to keep in mind:

In Korean drinking customs, the person of highest seniority at the table typically takes the first sip of alcohol. It’s customary to hold off on drinking until they lift their glass, signaling the start for everyone else.

When it comes to seating, priority is given to the most senior individual, ensuring they’re offered the best or most comfortable spot at the table. If you happen to be the youngest or the least senior in the group, it’s considerate to opt for the least favorable seat—perhaps the one closest to the door or furthest from the center. This understated act serves as a quiet acknowledgment of your role within the social structure, showcasing respect and mindfulness of the group’s dynamics.

When drinking with someone senior—whether in age, rank, or social position—it’s considered impolite to face them directly while taking a sip. Instead, people turn their heads to the side, often shielding their mouth with their hand or the glass, to avoid showing the act of drinking. This gesture minimizes any perceived rudeness or boldness and maintains a sense of humility.

These customs highlight the respect for hierarchy in Korean culture. By following them, you show that you understand and respect their social norms.

In some situations, the expectation to drink can make it hard to say no. Especially in a setting that values group harmony. For those who don't drink, or try to limit drinking, these gatherings might feel challenging. To handle this, it’s important to set boundaries that match your comfort level. Here are some ways to decline or limit drinking without feeling like you’re stepping out of line:

• Keep Your Glass Full: A simple way to avoid refills is to keep your glass full. People are less likely to pour more if they see you already have a drink.
• Offer to Pour: Focusing on pouring drinks for others can shift attention away from your own drinking. This is a respectful way to participate without having to drink too much yourself.
• Use Simple Phrases: Learn a few polite Korean phrases to help you navigate these situations. These phrases show that you are still engaged while setting clear limits.
  • "오늘은 많이 마실 수 없어요" (Oneureun mani masil su eops-eoyo – "I can't drink much today")
  • "천천히 마실게요" (Cheoncheonhi masilgeyo – "I'll drink slowly").
• Mention Health Reasons: Saying you’re on medication or have health concerns is usually respected. This can provide a clear reason for not drinking without prompting further questions.

Business dinners can last a long time, and can end up in a bar or karaoke for the second round (이차 - icha). If you need to leave early, there are polite ways to do so:

• After the First Round: Wait until the senior person wraps up the main dinner. Then you can excuse yourself by saying, "먼저 가보겠습니다" (Meonjeo gabogessseumnida – "I’ll head out first"). Thank the host before you go.
• Express Gratitude: Thank everyone and the host for the dinner. Showing appreciation helps maintain good relationships even if you can’t stay for the whole event.
• Follow Up: Thank your colleagues again the next day. Either in person or through messaging apps like KakaoTalk.

Many companies designate a 술 상무 (sul sangmu - Director of alcohol), an employee who excels at drinking, to join to business meetings (비즈니스 미팅 or 식사 자리). An undesirable position. It's therefor not uncommon for Koreans to pretend low alcohol tolerance in order to avoid getting this role.

Once, drinking with three Korean business relations, my large build and enthusiasm let me outpace them easily. After hours, I noticed they rotated absences—each slipping out for 30-minute "rests" in turns to recover and keep up.

After a night of drinking, the office mood might be more relaxed. It's common for colleagues to joke about the previous evening. Here’s how to handle it:

• Acknowledge the Gathering: A simple, "Last night was fun, thank you!" can go a long way. It shows that you appreciate the time spent together, even if things got a bit lively.
• Keep It Light: If something funny happened, you can mention it lightly. Avoid bringing up anything that might embarrass a colleague.

Korean business drinking culture can seem complex, but understanding it can help you build stronger relationships. Small gestures like pouring drinks for others or turning your head when drinking with a senior show respect and awareness. While there may be pressure to drink, setting respectful boundaries is also part of navigating this culture.

Understanding sul sangmu and evasion tactics shows the culture's nuances beyond etiquette.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but if you try to follow a few customs, it will be noticed. People will appreciate the effort, and it’s a good first step in building deeper connections.